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SMYRNIUM. Alexanders. [Apiaceae]

Two introduced species of Smyrnium are recorded in Britain, Alexanders (S. olusatrum) and Perfoliate Alexanders (S. perfoliatum). Two dipterous miners, the agromyzid Phytomyza smyrnii and the tephritid Euleia heraclei, are recorded on Smyrnium in Britain, although the former record requires confirmation. Elsewhere the tephritid Euleia heraclei is recorded mining Smyrnium. No non-dipterous miners are recorded on Smyrnium in Britain.

Key for the identification of the known Diptera mines in Britain.

1> Blotch mine. Puparium yellow; pupation in soil. Puparium yellow Mine of Euleia heraclei on Heracleum. Image: Brian Pitkin Euleia heraclei (Linnaeus) [Tephritidae]. ->Mine linear throughout, running first for a very short length on the lower surface, then remaining on the upper surface. A narrow early section is deeper than the rest; frass in black grains or lumps in two irregular rows later one. Pupation external, exit slit through lower surface. Phytomyza smyrnii Spencer [Agromyzidae].

Last updated 27-Aug-2007  Brian Pitkin

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